Antonius Felix

Antonius Felix (5 AD-) was the Procurator of Iudaea from 52 to 60 AD, succeeding Ventidius Cumanus and preceding Porcius Festus.

Biography
Antonius Felix was a Greek freedman from in 5 AD, and he served as secretary of the treasury under Emperor Claudius. He was married to Drusilla, a Jewish woman, and he became Procurator of Iudaea in 52 AD. In 57 AD, he oversaw the trial of Paul the Apostle after Paul was sent to him by the commander Claudius Lysias at the request of the Sanhedrin. Antonius had the centurion keep Paul under guard, but allowed him some freedom. He later sent for Paul, who spoke to him about faith in Jesus, and Felix was afraid of the judgment to come and had Paul leave, saying that he would send for him when convenient. Felix was hoping that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and, as a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in Roman captivity. He died of tuberculosis soon after his return.